Gone are the screams of the seabirds.

Gone is the barking of dogs.

Gone is the laughter of children.

Gone are the sighs of the trees
 
 

What’s left is the sound of the ocean at peace.

What’s left are the piles of rubble.

What’s left are unsheddable tears

What’s left are long lonely years.
 
 

There’s a look in the eyes of survivors

Of unspeakable sights and sounds.

There’s a sound in their voices

Of pain  completely insane

There’s too many bodies

Bereft of love and life

There’s nothing left

To start with again.
 
 

What always remains

Are the memories.

What always prevails

Is help from friends

What always helps

Is just hard work

What always endures

Is our common humanity
 

Dawn McDonald
© April 2005

Midi: "Aeka's Bojo"
From: Tenshenko's Garden of Music